Browning Sweet Sixteen - Is The 16 Gauge Slipping Away?

Today we will take a look at the FN Browning Sweet Sixteen. The example we will be looking at was minted in 1960. Also, we will discuss a little bit about where the 16 gauge seems to be headed.

[@21kpatriot]

Thank you! We really need to save the 16 gauge in this country. They must think we're crazy in England, where the "Gentleman's gauge" is revered! I love my sixteen gauge and it IS the perfect load for any bird hunting. I love your great video!

[@Icarryone]

I just wish more people felt the same as we do about the 16 gauge.

[@MrRoadchaser]

Love my sweet 16. Perfect for quail. Makes my hunting buddies envious.

[@Icarryone]

👍😎

[@LS-ye5pp]

What's it like to get ammo for that thing

[@MrRoadchaser]

@@LS-ye5pp generally no problem. I always keep some on hand though.

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

@@LS-ye5ppthere’s as much 16 gauge ammo on the shelf at the local Walmart and gun shop here where I live as there is 20 gauge ammo, not as much variety in loads as the 20 and 12 though , but its plentiful ( but the 16 gauge ammo is a bit more expensive)

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

That’s a really fine A5 there ! I recently purchased a brand new Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen Lightning 26” barrel . The pistol grip looks just like yours with the rounded bottom grip. It’s so well balanced and feels so sleek and slim compared to a 12 gauge, comes to the shoulder so quick and naturally and swings “ Lightning “ fast ! It doesn’t cycle as quick as my Beretta A400 Xplor but it carries and deploys just as well. I kinda chuckle every time I hear someone say the 16 gauge is perfect for quail and chuckar, it’s perfect for ANYTHING ! It especially shines in the pheasant fields and the grouse thickets , not to mention it serves well in the marshes as a duck hunting shotgun too ! It is definitely my favorite new GoTo shotgun I own now ! I absolutely LOVE it !

[@horace208]

Just bought a 1962 Sweet Sixteen love it!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Icarryone]

Yeah buddy!

[@jeffreyhall2136]

I grew up hunting with an Ithaca 37 in 16ga. I passed it on to younger family member. Recently I purchased a new Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen. I did't realize how much I miss using a 16ga. I use mine for Clay's and it's great. I have a reloader now and I'm waiting on some supplies. I also intend to get a O/U in Sixteen. To me it's the perfect gauage.

[@jimbrewer6139]

Until you shot a 16 you haven’t experienced perfection. I am their 80 years old and boys I’ve shot them all but there’s nothing like a 16 and I’ll add this any 16 love them.

[@Icarryone]

👍😎

[@joshuaregrut3150]

I really love the 16 gauge I love it as much as I love the 12 gauge I bought my first 16 gauge at a pawn shop a couple of years ago and never regretted it now I own 3 different 16 gauge shotguns

[@mikecampbell5856]

I discovered your channel a few weeks ago and I love it! I have a Savage 16 ga single, a Hercules 16 ga single and a Savage 311 double. The 16 gauge will live on in my family for a long time.

[@Icarryone]

I've stocked up on plenty of 16 gauge reloading supplies just in case ammo suddenly gets hard to find.

[@jcarm041]

That is a beautiful shotgun. Your video inspired me to purchase a 16 gauge sxs that my 11 year old son and I plan to refinish and eventually pass along to him. Hopefully he will fall in love with the 16 gauge too!

[@Icarryone]

Great father/son project that will create some lasting memories.

[@JOShaugh87]

I️ just bought a new A5 16 gauge. I️ took it out to give it a try on wood ducks with the Federal steel #4 shot loads. I️ admit I️ was worried I️ would wound a lot of ducks and not find them. I️ couldn’t have been more wrong! It knocked the snot out of them! Almost non existent recoil, I️ realized really fast why they call this the sweet 16! What an awesome gauge!

[@Icarryone]

In my opinion, the Browning A5 is one of the best all around upland game shotguns ever conceived.

[@mrsaxy-music]

I have a Remington Model 11 in 16 gauge that belonged to my grandfather and my wife has a Winchester Model 12 in 16 guage that belonged to her father. We love our 16 gauges.

[@Icarryone]

Sounds like you have a couple of real classic's there. Very cool!

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

That model 11 is a the Browning A5 without a few little items in and on it. Check it out, you will see that John left them copy the A 5.

[@hudsonriley2094]

@@christinamoneyhan5688 you are correct he sold Remington the Wright to make copies. But he kept the patterns. If I remember correctly it had to do with the war at the Belgian factory.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

@@hudsonriley2094 I can not confirm that fact as I am not a historian on John Browning. He was a engineer of outstanding thinking outside the box .you might say. If it was not for him Winchester Repeating Arms would have never been the firearms company they were. Browning finally figured just how much his designers were worth and Winchester would not pay him what he wanted so, he took them to Remington but Mr. Remington died while talking with Browning so, Browning want to Europe looking for a quality firearms builder and the rest is history.

[@hudsonriley2094]

@@christinamoneyhan5688 you are correct on all you stated. I will have to find the field and stream issues that I read about the model 17. He allowed Remington to produce it for around maybe three years and then sold the patents to Ithaca and they started producing them in 12 gauge of which I have also. But the old 17 is so much more comfortable and lite to carry. But they both are very good reliable and well done.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

What classic elegance. I would love to own one someday. I grew up solely on 16ga. and will always have a soft spot for it.

[@Icarryone]

Gotta love a Browning A5.

[@scottf.3808]

The engraving is very nice...What a gem...

[@Icarryone]

It is indeed.

[@joeltowle2737]

2022 and I just bought 2 16ga Shotguns! One brand new o/u and one old Browning designed Ranger 30 pump! Love the 16!

[@Icarryone]

Yeah buddy! 👍

[@bosse641]

Beautiful piece of art.

[@Icarryone]

Just form following function - with a bit of eye candy thrown in to sweeten the appeal. Sort of gives some real meaning to the phrase: "the art of gun making."

[@craigrohrer7337]

I have one. I bought it for my dad in 1969. I of course kept it when he passed on. It's in beautiful shape and I also bought the slug barrel for him as well. He loved that thing and took many deer with it. I hope to pass it on when the time comes. He brought it to me about 9 months before he left this world knowing it would be cared for.

[@Icarryone]

👍🤠

[@bigtrav6172]

I have one with the "blonde wood" that my grandfather willed to me and it is by far my favorite shotgun for upland birds and rabbits

[@Icarryone]

Excellent!

[@popoaggie]

Browning is keeping the 16 gauge alive with release of their Lightning 16 Citori and Bps pump guns. I love this gauge for pheasant, grouse, chukar and quail. Carries like a 20 and hits like a 12.

[@Icarryone]

You are right. Browning is trying hard to keep the 16g alive.

[@ericirwin6553]

Love my bps 16. Just got back from Kansas with it along with some birds.

[@DirtyDickMurdoc]

I guess I’m too young to be sweet on the 16.

[@glennycarroll]

My first decent shotgun was a Browning Sweet 16, bought it in 1969. Went squirrel hunting and spent more time drooling over my beautiful gun than looking for squirrels. Today I found one in a local shop made in 1954, but it's going to take more than the $90 I paid for that first one to buy it. How I yearn for the days hunting with my brothers and old friends when the dove and the pheasant fell to my Sweet Sixteen! But just maybe...

[@Icarryone]

I know exactly what you mean.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

Great gun. If all of us that own the 16 gauge would get them out of the closet’s where they have been stored for the last 50 years and use them ( even if the cartridge cost a few dollars more) the 16 gauge would not disappear. I use mine.

[@Icarryone]

👍🤠

[@bhf4u]

i have this exact gun...my dad..god rest him...bought this for my mom.my dad always used a fox 12ga double but he got the browning for my mom because it had no kick. i still use it for pheasant.it's the perfect gun.

[@Icarryone]

👍🤠

[@specv0215]

i love this gun so much, it was the first shotgun i ever shot, and it was passed down to me from my grandfather its been used every dove season since 1958. itll be being used this coming up saturday for opening day.

[@Icarryone]

I hear ya!

[@uncletio0428]

Great, informative video! (Gotta love an A5!) I have a 1973 Belgium made 12x gauge with a dedicated 'modified' choke and absolutely love it & will never sell it! - (I want a 'sweet sixteen' - just gotta find one that is affordable...hard to do!)

[@Icarryone]

Agreed, the Sweet 16 is getting pretty hard to find these days. 👍

[@shockwave6416]

Ya for sure usually the only way is if your grandpa or father had one.

[@James-ki6xi]

Love my16’s . Three model 12’s, a 11-48, and an 870

[@Icarryone]

👍🤠

[@tyguy365]

Great video. Love my 16s. One note the engraving of John Browning is also on the magnum a5s at least its on my Belgian Magnum 12g

[@Icarryone]

👍🤠

[@rustyshackleford3647]

I have an old Hercules.. side by side.. love it. I liked and subscribed.. you are a great narrator! I felt like I was watching a school film reel... thanks!

[@Icarryone]

Thanks and welcome aboard.

[@kurgan322]

I grew up in a family of bird hunters, and this was the gun my Grandaddy bought for all his boys when they turned 16. I'd also say that the decline in the gamebird population didn't help the 16 either.

[@Icarryone]

Habitat depletion certainly help either.

[@MyHollowpoint]

A real treasure.

[@Icarryone]

It most certainly is.

[@PotatoGunsRule]

I've fired off quite a few shotgun rounds in 12, 20, and 16. I like the 16 far above the others and I have some 15 shotguns. I have been looking for a Sweet 16 that won't break open the bank for a couple of years now.

[@johnh6561]

I'm looking for a Belgium Sweet 16 with a mod choke. The going rate for one in good shape is around 1,300-1,500 in Ohio. I'll save my pennies for the next buyers market.

[@PotatoGunsRule]

Have you never used www.gunbroker.com? Most 16's on there are modified chokes and for less than what you quoted in your reply. My problem is I only use shotguns for squirrel hunting and not many A5's were made in full choke.

[@charlespalmer7706]

I own a sweet sixteen just like yours. My dad gave it to me and I will hand it down to my son.

[@Icarryone]

Sticking with tradition - thumbs up for that!

[@shockwave6416]

I think the old hand me down father to son is about the only way to get one of these old Belgium made sweet 16s in good condition.

[@stevehughey2247]

The A5 Browning Sweet Sixteen in such pristine condition shown up close on video is a perfect example of "Gun Porn," for us gun nuts...Great video on this classic beauty and great info on the 16 Gauge round...You've done it again Mr.One...

[@Icarryone]

Thanks.

[@jeremybowen5813]

This is the only video that I have seen on the A5 where you can really see the fantastic bluing used on this gun. My friend gave me one that he purchased in Italy while stationed there in the 1950's. It looks like it just came out of the box.

[@Icarryone]

Unless you get the lighting just right, it is extremely hard to photograph or video a deeply blued firearm.

[@tomsmith1390]

The light twelve has a gold trigger and the same engraving, they were also made in Belgium. I purchased one around 1967 and used it so much it has been re blued twice and has about 200 coats of lin-speed oil on it that has been taken down 1/3 as many times to fill the grain, thousands of rounds went through it over forty years of hunting and abuse. I didn't buy it to save for the days I was going to spend in heaven.

[@Icarryone]

👍🤠

[@phogol]

I was about to say the same thing. I have a 7G with a gold trigger as well, it was my dads HS graduation before he passed it to me.

[@tomsmith1390]

@@phogol Fantastic shot gun, read a bit about the positioning of the brass and steel rings under the forestock so to find there correct placement. It will kick less and will never jamb if installed correctly.

[@phogol]

@@tomsmith1390 oh yeah I know all about the friction rings. I dont really hunt, so I only shoot low brass to keep it operational. It lives in the safe, until I pass it down the line.

[@gregnydegger3313]

I also have a 20 with the gold trigger made in 1957

[@alanstrong3295]

That Sweet 16 is an ace in the field.

[@Icarryone]

It is indeed.

[@Direwoof]

I have a stevens model 84b 16 gauge breech loader. Super long barrel and so it packs a wallop with a slug. And very tight spread with bird shot.

[@Icarryone]

Thumbs up on the Stevens 16 gauge.

[@otlh69]

Love the 16 gauge. Grew up shooting a 16 gauge Winchester model 12, unfortunately that gun is long gone. Just picked up a browning gran lightning 16 gauge over and under today. Can’t wait to take it out. May have to try for a Christmas pheasant hunt.

[@Icarryone]

Good hunting - I hope you bag a few.

[@jeffreylocke8808]

The wad that contains the shot in a modern 12 gauge shot shell has the same actual ratio in a one ounce load as the 16 gauge in the old shot shells without a wad holding the shot. So a light 12 gauge with modern shot shells uses a plastic wad holding the shot mimics the ideal of the 16 gauge shot column configuration. I use a 725 Feather 12 gauge over under with a 26 inch barrel weighing just 6 pounds and 7 ounces. My Invector DS extended chokes light lead modified over and light full lead under extend the barrel length to almost 27 inches. My dream shotgun.

[@Icarryone]

👍🤠

[@kanaloa38]

Beautiful work of art. I still only use my Dads 16 gauge Western Auto (Mossberg) with a reduced barrel, as a HD and fun gun. I think it was made in the 1950s or early 60s. Grew up hunting with it. Every time I get an urge to buy a 12 gauge, I just pick up the old 16, and the urge goes away. It is harder to find the ammo...not many places stock it. Enjoyed your video.

[@Icarryone]

The way things are going, the 16 gauge could easily fade away.

[@kuriboh635]

I just shot 16ga for the first time yesterday and it was very enjoyable. I shot it with my aunt because she's the only person I know that has one. After that I bought one of those Mauser 16ga conversations because I also shot a bolt action 12ga she has from her dad

[@Icarryone]

👍🤠

[@tiggerr42431]

Simply a classic.

[@Icarryone]

It truly is.

[@jeffreylocke8808]

A hollowed out butt and the safety behind the trigger. Even the barrel hoop has two lightening holes in it only shown when the barrel is removed. These are also part of the classic Sweet 16 make-up.

[@Icarryone]

Yes, that too. 👍🤠

[@7wt]

I just took possession of my grandfather's S16. Lovely little thing but I need to get a new stock for it. He had short arms and cut the stock down to put a recoil pad on it. Still love it though.

[@Icarryone]

That's a terrific family heirloom to have for sure.

[@halspencer6613]

Had a sweet 16 for years and sold it in the late 1960s . Bought it from a local gunshop for $125.00 and my trade of a Rem 12 ga.. Kick my self in the butt about 1000 times for selling it.

[@Icarryone]

🤓!!

[@BATJACJW]

Man those are nice!!

[@Icarryone]

They just don't make quality shotguns like this anymore. These old Browning's were all hand crafted and fitted.

[@BATJACJW]

So very true.

[@dallascowboys8381]

Enjoyed the video. thx

[@dealshuman7962]

My Sweet 16 was stolen a week ago...I'm 60 and my granddaddy bought it new when I was 10...only shotgun I've ever had ...he gave it to me brand new...priceless to me...

[@dealshuman7962]

@@Aximus06 thank you...I'm still hoping to find it and the guy who stole it

[@Icarryone]

Rotten thieves! 😒

[@marklatzer5971]

Love them

[@Icarryone]

👍🤠

[@shaynloy4496]

Nice gun.. however my grandfathers auto 5 light 20ga. Has a good trigger.. and I just got a 1952 A5 light 12ga. With brownings mural on it. So it wasn’t just the sweet 16 that had those features.. and both my brownings are FN aside from that. Very nice gun

[@Icarryone]

When the "Sweet 16" was introduced in 1937, it was indeed the "first" of Browning's shotguns to sport the gold trigger. In later years, other A5 models were included that would also have the gold trigger. Hope this info helps.

[@johnh6561]

If anything the 16 gauge is coming back! Sure before the internet you had to be a little nuts to shoot 16 gauge regularly because of how much more difficult is was to get ammo/components. The local non supercenter Wal Mart carries 4-6 types of ammo during the season,. Even the crappy Meijer across town has Super X 16 #8 shot all year round. It's like the 22 Hornet. For the first time in decades there's new factory ammo loadings. Heck, Federal just started making 22 Hornet ammo this year. The internet is allowing people to shoot what they want, not what the local stores want to stock to maximize profit.

[@Icarryone]

I have a couple of rifles and a Thompson Center pistol that are chambered in 22 Hornet. Love that round.

[@sam4yeshua214]

Gorgeous!

[@Icarryone]

I think so too.

[@bigB6flyer]

Great video of these great guns, but other auto 5s had gold triggers too.

[@Icarryone]

👍🤠

[@JDTR696PR]

That's a nice shotgun!

[@Icarryone]

I think so too.

[@orinpowell8458]

My grandfather passed away and left me his sweet 16. I searched and found that it was made around the 1920s

[@Icarryone]

You might want to research that date again. The Browning Sweet Sixteen was in production from 1937 until 1975. As a caveat, there was, of course, a production gap during World War II.

[@larrycates7655]

1947

[@richardmiller5238]

Got to have the vent rib!😊

[@metaltiger7297]

One off the things that I like about the Sweet Sixteen is that it is scaled down from the 12 gauge size receiver.

[@Icarryone]

For upland hunting I actually prefer the 16 over the 12 gauge.

[@thomaskolde4316]

I have an old standard model 16 gauge (rear safety) I bought back in the early 90's. It came with 2 barrels. A full and a modified with raised ribs. I'd shoot it more than I do, but they rape you when buying shells. I have a case of pheasant loads I bought back when I got this gun & I still have the bulk of them plus some heavy field loads. Paid $450 for it back then & wonder what it's worth today...bluing is kinda faded. Wish I had the money today to have it gone over & re-blued. I always took it pheasant hunting with my buddies because when they ran out of shells...they didn't bug me for extra's. ;)

[@Icarryone]

👍😎

[@williespoonemore3392]

yep had one as young man and going back to it cause I'm disabled and balance problems but ya I've no problems going back to 16 and more than happy . Old grizzly can go bear hunting with a bigger toothpick than a 20 lol.

[@Icarryone]

Excellent idea Willie.

[@jayedwards1205]

The gold plated trigger was also on the Light 12... I had a 1972 Light 12 made in Belgium

[@Icarryone]

Yes, later models also incorporated the gold trigger - the Sweet Sixteen was just the first model to do so.

[@PotatoGunsRule]

I managed to find myself a Sweet 16! Not perfect, but good enough for me. It is my second most expensive gun to date, at about 1300 dollars. It's used (naturally) and has a few scuffs, which is fine, as I intend to hunt with it. Mine is Belgium, vented, and the older style (1970). :) :) :)

[@Icarryone]

Nice find!

[@PotatoGunsRule]

+Icarryone. Thanks. It was a gunbroker auction. I had to race home as I don't have an Iphone; had I been 10 minutes slower on the road, I would have lost it.

[@tastiefreeeze]

gotta love me, I have a really old one from my great grandfather produced in the late 30s early 40s kicks like a mule.

[@metaltiger7297]

Could it be that you were shooting 2 3/4" shells in the 2 9/16" chambers?

[@metaltiger7297]

Could it be that you were shooting 2 3/4" shells in the 2 9/16" chambers?

[@karltaylor5643]

I think the 16 is long gone in this area. Nothing in 16 is listed or carried.

[@Icarryone]

Sad, isn't it? 😢

[@Polevaultnerd08]

Thanks!!! For real. I was researching the 16 since I just got one for Xmas. Interesting. CANT WAIT TO USE IT!

[@Icarryone]

You'll love it.

[@zachchurchill6709]

Congratulations you just got the best shotgun and you'll ever have I too got one for Christmas 1972 I was 12 still have it and I still shoot it be aware that you may triple on one shot I have done it many times the best was in front of my father he has one too but I guess I can shoot better than he can so good luck again congratulations

[@DRbamboozler]

I own a Belgian made sweet 16 and I will never sell it! It shoots like a dream and is very easy on the eye!

[@Icarryone]

I'm in total agreement. This one isn't going anywhere either.

[@alexwest2573]

Mossberg 190 in 16 gauge love it

[@Icarryone]

👍😎

[@4gauge10]

I used to own a"LIGHT TWELVE"Browning A-5,it had the gold trigger and John Moses Brownings bust engraved on the left side of the receiver,but mine had a 28"inch modified choke,with ventilated rib on it.(made in Belgium)The Miroku versions are much better though.(made in Japan) I like to find a"MAGNUM"20-gauge version if possible,a Miruko built version with 28"inch Invector-Plus choke system on it.

[@Icarryone]

I have a 20 gauge magnum that I like very much - unfortunately it's not a Browning.

[@4gauge10]

@@Icarryone I'm certain its still a really nice shotgun though regardless.

[@materazipelates]

I have 16ga shotgun before. I love it. But in my country it's not nation wide. 16ga cartridges also more expensive than 12ga here. So, I'm switching to 12ga now.

[@Icarryone]

👍😎

[@Catastrophic-hk3mh]

Perfect for squirrel

[@jnieto237]

I learned a lot from this video. You should bill me. Thank you!

[@Icarryone]

I accept PayPal.

[@niadhf]

I just got a (used) Ithaca Model 37 featherweight in 16 ga. Because, I needed a 16 gauge

[@Icarryone]

I'm currently restoring a "pre-war" model 37 - they're fantastic old shotguns.

[@niadhf]

@@Icarryone I learned shotgun on my father's model 37 (16ga). LONG barrel. love it. but he is not getting rid of it. and I ran into a deal on this while selling a pistol. I am very happy. 1952( if I remember correctly) and still slam fore capable! a bit rough, but it is a tool, not a safe queen

[@larrykool8637]

Growing up in the 60's, the 16 gauge was definitely more popular than it is today. We didn't have one on our farm but, we had friends who did. I believe that the price of 16 gauge ammo has cotributed to its' demise.

[@Icarryone]

The demand for 12 gauge ammo finally outran the demand for 16 gauge. The more manufactures focused on supplying 12 gauge ammo, the less 16 gauge they produced. This artificially inflated the price of 16 gauge ammo due to dwindling supplies.

[@larrykool8637]

If I was running a 16 gauge (which I'm not), I would definitely be reloading the shell. Whereas reloading 12 gauge is a "break even" proposition (especially with bird shot), it would actually save money to reload the 16 gauge. My choice for not using the 16 gauge has more to do with familiarity than anything else. Plus, I tend to be frugal and paying extra for less common ammo goes against my principles.

[@Icarryone]

I've been reloading my own shot shells for years. I have several shotguns that have never fired a single factory round. I have a couple of 28 gauge shotguns that I like hunting grouse with - you certainly don't find 28 gauge shells at your local sporting goods store any more.

[@jamesburnette4120]

Best bird gun there is. Thanks to the skeet organization for trying to make it obsolete. The Sweet 16 is a heavy gun and you'll feel it after a day in the field but I'll put it up against any 12 ga.

[@Icarryone]

👍🤠

[@Deadbuck73]

Shot trap with my 12 the other day... first thing everyone said was how beautiful it was... next... is it a 16?... nope...

[@Icarryone]

👍🤠

[@roblambert3521]

I love my sweet sixteen. I would not trade it for anything.

[@Icarryone]

I'm with you on that.

[@joejones8776]

At the 1:10 mark there is a switch on the left hand side that controls something in the ammo port; what is it? My dad recently inherited one of these exact models and we are trying to figure out what that switch is for!

[@Icarryone]

That is a magazine block lever. If the lever is actuated toward the rear of the receiver, it will prevent shells from feeding from the magazine. This allows you to load a single shell directly into the chamber and fire it like a single shot.

[@joejones8776]

Wow! My uncle suspected it might be for something that! What a fascinating weapon! I’m looking forward to seeing more from you! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer!

[@Ray-fc8bo]

My Belgian Mag 20 has the gold trigger, I thought that was a mark of the Belgian guns.....?

[@Icarryone]

When the Sweet Sixteen was first introduced, the gold trigger was exclusive to that model - this later changed to include other Browning firearms.

[@browningbelgium1705]

I like your video and I have a question. Why is this shotgun more expensive to purchase than 12 and 20 gauges in similar condition?

[@Icarryone]

The Sweet Sixteen is a bit more rare. That increases the overall value.

[@MtnBadger]

Thanks for the video. I have a Belgian made A5 "Light twelve" which is also very nice for upland game and is adjustable for high and low base shells. Its the next best option after the sweet sixteen. And I have the "matching" (both bought at the same time/store, by my mother, for my father) A5 .30-06. Both are mint, like they just came off the line, yet they've taken lots of birds and wild boar and deer. I'd like to have a sweet sixteen for my collection but, they're becoming rather unicorn-like and I don't know where to buy ammo (especially now). Have any suggestions as to where to find 16ga. rounds? Thanks again.

[@Icarryone]

👍🤠

[@bowhunter2439]

iconic guns

[@Icarryone]

They truly are.

[@bowhunter2439]

I have a 1939 pre sweet 16 short chamber gun , still a lot of fun and fully functional with 2.5 inch shells , great rabbit gun...!!!

[@bchrider]

it seems to me its already making a come back....maybe not with gun manufactures but with the ammo ones...in the 90s I had to shelve my 16s because of lack of ammo avail at stores...then I started reloading....but now I see 16 gauge ammo at almost every store...I think one thing that may have hurt the 16 in the later years of gun manufacturing is they started building 16s on a 12 gauge frame and lost the feel of the 16... like the later Remington 870s that were built in 16 gauge

[@Icarryone]

I hope a significant comeback happens. It would be a crying shame to let such a useful round slip away.

[@Rydeman2]

My grandfather bought my dad a Browning A5 when he was a teenager. I have it and it's a "light 12" model and boy does it have recoil. It's a Japanese model and it's a nice gun but I prefer my 1100 Remington 12 gauge that dad bought me better. I'll never part with that Browning though for sentimental reasons. It looks like it just came out of the box.

[@Icarryone]

There's just something about these older Browning shotguns that appeals to me.

[@retirednavy8720]

I had a Belgian made Browning Sweet Sixteen. It was my favorite shotgun for hunting. But when they went to steel shot nobody made it in 16 ga. So mine got sold. It was a great gun and great for hunting but without ammo it wasn't worth keeping.

[@Icarryone]

I reload for the 16 and that helps.

[@brasstacksboxing409]

I own this exact gun.. mine is in a bit better shape than this one, but I will say, the gold on my trigger is all but worn away.... I have it's identical twin in the 20 gauge, and my dad has the 12.... Been a browning boy since 13 and will never change.

[@Icarryone]

Sounds like your family has a nice collection of Browning's.

[@zachchurchill6709]

I got mine Christmas Day 1971 best Christmas present I ever got

[@birddog7492]

I prefer a 16 gage but Ammo got so hard to find.

[@Icarryone]

Getting harder all the time.

[@Phuc_Socialist_You_Tube]

I like 20 for birds and 12 for deer....nothing seems to swing faster on birds for me than a good double sxs or o/u. Old guns like this are well made classics, but hindsight is 20/20. They are blocky and heavy, recoil operated shotguns pound the shoulder harder than they should. That's why the gas operated guns have taken over, just a recoiling bolt. Not a moving bolt and barrel. There is of course the asthetic beauty of an A-5. The wood and blueing were second to none.

[@superfly2449]

My daddy had a Browning 16 SA. These are selling for $1400!

[@Icarryone]

👍

[@07roadking43]

I have a 1960 Belgium 20Gauge that I inherited from my father -in-law , that has the exact features as the one in your video , it has the gold trigger, same engraving except where yours says sweet sixteen mine just says 20 ??? Now im confused lol

[@Icarryone]

It's simple, Browning didn't make a Sweet Twenty.

[@07roadking43]

@@Aximus06 its a 20 Ga.

[@charlie1571]

I have a sweet sixteen I bought in 1968 and killed deer and doves and just about all game here in La. I hate to see the lack of availablity of ammo. From what I understand about the only difference in that of a 12GA. is the amount of shot.

[@gunenthusiast9201]

its a beauty

[@Icarryone]

The camera just doesn't capture how nice this old Browning really is.

[@kennethsee6262]

Love mine gave to son cuz I bought a Japanese version of 12 Guage 16 is extinct I hope it does come back its a nice less powerful than a 12 but more than a 20 so all around good round took many deer with 16 slug many rabbit and squirrels with 6 shot and pheasant quail with 8 shot.all around multi purpose Guage +that doesn't leave your shoulder on the ground after shooting several rounds in a row

[@Icarryone]

👍🤠

[@brianwinters5434]

I like the 16 but even in normal times and now impossible.

[@Icarryone]

It helps to be able to reload your own shells.

[@rogerbeckner6419]

Own a Fox Sterlingworth and an Ithaca NID in 16 gauge. Would not trade them for anything or any amount of cash. Have to go back to my local pawn shop and scoop-up an almost mint 1935 A-5 for $1500. Either for use or as a hedge against inflation. These old guns will only grow in value as time goes on.

[@Icarryone]

Agreed. 👍

[@rogerbeckner6419]

@@Icarryone YOU see the value of the old machining and handwork. Others don't see it or ignore it. There will be the next best ......whatever gun out there. But it will not be close to what has been made before. Look at the lazer - imaged Parkers by Remington. Done down to the angstrom-level of perfection for a copy. But are they actually a Parker? No. Because they have never been touched by the hand of men until after they come out of the machining area. They are clones of the original gun, ......as close as modern tech can take it to. So you bought one of these........it is basically the same as number .........such and such from the Parker line. But no hand fitting. No hand fitting of the stock to the action. No human touch for most of it's life. Tell me that a machine that was totally built by machines has a soul. Has a connection to the builders of it. You can't. It is a soulless clone; perfect in every respect but has no connection to it's builders. The little imperfections, the differences in between the published specs and the reality. Take the best gun in the museum and put it up against the published specs. Variations. That is what you have when a human hand crafts a piece of history. It is not perfect. I do not want a piece of perfection. I want a lump that many people slaved away on to make something out of. It may not be perfect, but it will be made by hands that tried to make it the best that they could do. That is perfection in the gun trade. Go there and no further. Do not make soulless clones for the masses.

[@charlesmullens9024]

@@Icarryone My dad had a half dozen Sweet Sixteens over the years and they all got away except the last one a 1969 Belgium made. It has light wood and a vent rib with some gold left on the trigger, that trigger has been used a lot in the last 50 years . I don't know exactly how many turkeys I have taken with it. My friends all though that I was under gunned for turkeys when they all had 12 ga 3 1/2 inch magnums but when a gobbler would hang up at 60 yards and they couldn't even take a shot and I could drop him that little 16 ga got a lot more respect in camp. Those Federal Premium 16 ga Magnum shells #4 made a lot of differences too. And yes they do make a 16 ga magnum shell for all those in doubt. The guys learned why they call it a "Sweet Sixteen". Before that I used an old J. Sevens Arms and Tool Co. Pump shotgun made on Browning design that was patented in 1905 and 1909 it is all nickel steel I don't really know how old the gun is and still shoots fine. I have two grandsons who will be using these guns and many others I have. John Browning was the true genius of American firearms. Just found your video and will be watching more.

[@Xeon3226]

For the First time in 20 years I will not be able to hunt dove with my A5 light 20. State just banned Lead shot on all WMA and leased fields. Steel spells certain death to the 28 gauge, 16 gauge, and 410. My A5 can not eject steel nor do other shotguns that I have. I am pushing for this to be reverserves and for states to stop this. Please contact your reps if this is happening in your area.

[@Icarryone]

So far, there's been no ban in my state.

[@charlesmullens9024]

Anoy Mous. Take the forearm off.Look on the inside. It shows how to turn the brass sleeve on the magazine tube for light or heavy loads. Turn it to light loads and it will eject steel loads.

[@LL-xg1qf2ef7f]

It will kill deer just as dead too, fold em up in their tracks. Sweet shooting gun too, Belgium made is authentic with the symbols.

[@Icarryone]

You just can't beat one of these older Brownings.

[@LL-xg1qf2ef7f]

Icarryone Yes sir, I had mines since I was a kid and still shoot it today, it shoots smooth and precise, no recoil.

[@huntersmith8586]

Im thinking about getting a 16ga. What do you think about that? Is it a good idea, even if i have to hand load?

[@Icarryone]

I wouldn't be without one.

[@anthonymitchell2354]

Hi, do you have any idea what the 1952 sweet sixteen is worth? My mom has one in mint condition.

[@Icarryone]

I actually don't do firearms value assessments - but your local gun dealer might be able to give you a ball park idea.

[@zachchurchill6709]

It's worth its weight in gold you need to shoot it then you'll no this is no ordinary shotgun this is the top of the line swings and shoots you'll be surprised when you shoot three with one shot done it a few times Quail Band tail pigeons and ducks the last one cost me 350 bucks you're only allowed one pintail oh well last time I shot ducks with it as far as value 1500 2000 once you shoot it you'll never sell it good luck with it

[@jimmythesaint2286]

is the 26" cylinder bore on a Sweet 16 considered a full, modified, improved, etc. on the barrel? Is it marked on the barrel if it is a full, modified, improved modified??? Am i to assume its full barrelll model?

[@Icarryone]

According to my choke gauge, this one has a modified choke.

[@johnh6561]

The local Cabela's has a Belgium Sweet 16 with a mod choke for $1500. I doubt I'll pull the trigger it. It's not overpriced, but I don't think it's a deal either. My better judgement is telling me to wait for the next buyers market.

[@Icarryone]

Keep looking and sooner or later you'll come across one at just the right price.

[@browningbelgium1705]

I say that owning any Browning( up to 1976) is prideful ownership and a cut above the rest. I'll never get used to seeing japan on the barrel, though. It's a real turn-off no matter the quality. Just my opinion!

[@Icarryone]

👍

[@browningbelgium2326]

@@Icarryone I just bought a beautiful 1959 Sweet Sixteen from Art's Gun Shop, Hillsboro MO. Hope I'm doing my part in keeping these guns alive and well. Can't wait to hold it, load it, and shoot it.

[@68roadster]

I still have mine !

[@Icarryone]

This one is here for the duration.

[@MrWolf-le4nv]

Does the switch on the make it in single or semi if switched

[@Icarryone]

No, its semi auto only.

[@kirkhetfield4352]

I found a used 16 870 at pawn shop, 218 bucks, best grouse gun I've ever used, 12 is too much ,it guts the bird, I'm taking the 16 on water and see what compare to my 11-87

[@kirkhetfield4352]

forgot to mention the gun was like new, I took barrel off at pawn shop and it was beautiful, I'm 33 yrs young and this is the best 200 I've spent so far

[@kirkhetfield4352]

+Kirk Hetfield still forget to pump at flush haha, grouse is best hunt in world, never gets old, when I'm in stand I wish I was grouse hunting

[@Icarryone]

Smoking deal.

[@carm1991]

I have one available

[@stanleyhowe4320]

carm1991 still available?